Story lines

The Texans’ drop from the top AFC playoff position started with their embarrassing 42-14 loss at New England, in which they spotted the Patriots a 28-0 second-quarter lead. They couldn’t stop anything Tom Brady and the offense wanted to do. Houston’s defense will be on the spot again trying to deal with Brady’s myriad weapons. Matt Schaub also struggled in the first matchup (19-for-32 passing, 232 yards, INT) compared to Brady (21-for-35, 296 yards, four TDs). After a shaky performance against the Bengals in the wild-card round that included an interception returned for a score, Schaub must protect the ball and deliver big plays off play-action.

The Patriots’ offense also will have something new to throw at the Texans—Rob Gronkowski, who missed Week 14 with a broken forearm. Safety Glover Quin excelled in coverage against the Bengals’ Jermaine Gresham, but the combination of Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez (eight catches, 58 yards, two TDs in the first game) will be the toughest matchups for Houston’s 3-4.

Texans player to watch

Arian Foster. Foster scored a touchdown when the teams met in Foxborough, but for the most part he was a non-factor because of the Patriots’ defense (15 carries for 46 yards) and the game getting out of hand early. Foster blew through the Bengals for 140 yards rushing and was kept busy with season highs of 32 carries and eight catches (for 34 more yards). With Schaub still in a bit of a funk, expect Foster to be fed often. If the Texans’ offensive line can spring Foster for yards in chunks, it will set up both high-percentage throws and work the clock effectively to help keep Brady off the field.

Patriots player to watch

Vince Wilfork. Wilfork was a big reason Foster couldn’t get going. The Patriots' defensive tackle consistently won the battle with the Pro Bowl combination of left guard Wade Smith and center Chris Myers. Wilfork also got in Schaub’s face often (sack, forced fumble). The Texans must make sure the powerful 6-2, 325-pounder Wilfork doesn’t dictate terms again at the line of scrimmage.

Matchup to watch

Texans’ pass rush vs. Patriots’ offensive line. J.J. Watt, the likely defensive player of the year from end, was silenced by New England’s front five. While Watt will focus his energy on a big rebound, the burden of rattling Brady can’t be all on him. The Texans were missing the explosive pass rush of outside linebacker Brooks Reed in Week 14. He looked fully recovered from his groin injury against the Bengals with one sack and numerous pressures. Reed, Connor Barwin and rookie Whitney Mercilus need to help Watt by working the edges well against big tackles Nate Solder and Sebastian Vollmer.